Ironically though, Socrates was put to death because of some of his thoughts. Apparently, a too examined life was also not worth living through the eyes of his executioner(s). This shows a strong tie to religion and the limiting factors of Greek civilization. Despite all the ostracizing, philosophy was destined to expand. Aristotle was one of the many who continued the tradition.
The way in which Socrates defended himself was by calling Meletus to be questioned about the people that were considered good influences on the youth. The strength of Socrates argument comes from the method in which he asks the questions so in the end he forces Meletus to prove his point for him. After a series of questions regarding the specifics of whom might be considered a good influence on the youth, Socrates says, “So every person in Athens, it would appear, has an excellent influence on them except for me, whereas I alone am corrupting them.” (25a) This is a very valid argument because he compares this to taming a horse and through logical reasoning attempts to show that its nearly impossible for everyone to have the skill to tame a horse while only one person can be blamed of ruining it. This example illustrates that in reality Meletus doesn’t desire to help the children like Socrates
Is Socrates a Believable Character? Socrates, as most know, is a man famous for offending Athenian beliefs during 4th century BC. Philosophy was not accepted at this time therefore many believed Socrates rambled on about nonsense. Although this seemed like nonsense to people living in Athens at the time, Socrates still voiced his opinion as his love for philosophy was more important then what was said of him. As history shows, Socrates is a believable character as the Apology written by Plato has many examples showing he truly is philosophical and wise.
If these things are true , then Nietzsche can feel justified in arguing that Socrates was not a great man and that all of the philosophers that followed him through the leadership of Plato were also symptomatic of all that was wrong with Socrates and with his form of reasoning Read more: http://www.mightystudents.com/essay/Nietzsches.Socrates.essay.65984#ixzz2Q4lr9MXm argues against his ugliness , which appears in both writings on and sculptures of Socrates . If Socrates was ugly and conventional wisdom at the time during which Nietzsche lived was that criminals are ugly , is it not possible to argue that Socrates was not a great man , but , rather
Socrates was put on trial for neglecting the gods and corrupting the minds of children. He was found guilty and the penalty was death, he had to drink poison. Before he was sentenced to death he taught kids that later became great Philosopher such as Plato. His teachings helped Athens even after he was gone. Plato may have lived back in the 5th century his writing is still read today.
I admire his belief that one must concentrate more on self-development than on materialistic things and his view that virtues are the most powerful of all possessions. Since Socrates wrote nothing most of what we know of him comes from his disciple Plato, who wrote Socrates’ teachings in works called Dialogues. In this we learn about his creation of the Socratic method, which is a form of debate between individuals based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking. He is best recognized for inventing the teaching practice of pedagogy, wherein a teacher questions a student in a manner that draws out the correct response. I imagine that we would discuss the challenges he faced with the Athenians due to his ideals, which weren’t accepted in that time.
Phislosophy 231 Crito & Legal Obligation. Omar Alli 11/3/11 Socrates has been accused of corrupting the youth by Meletus and also creating new Gods, while not recognizing the old Gods. Socrates is eventually convicted of these crimes and sentenced to death. While at the state prison awaiting his execution, Socrates is approached by his friend Crito who has come in an attempt to convince Socrates to escape with him to avoid his execution. Crito puts forth many arguments to why Socrates should escape with him, however after engaging in a dialogue with Socrates, Socrates shoots down all of Crito's arguments.
Aggravated, Odysseus carefully planned a trap with the help of two loyal men and killed all the suitors. Odysseus is someone who would not be considered heroic today for he was disrespectful, cheated his wife, and killed many people. In the beginning of the Odyssey, Odysseus landed on the land of the Cyclopes. There he and his men met Polyphemus. Odysseus thought very low and rude about him.
Socrates was a seeker of self-knowledge and had strong beliefs. He spent most of his life questioning the citizens of Athens on their views and ideas. He was accused of corrupting the youth and by asking questions that ultimately undermined society. During his trial he attempted to deny all accusations against him to prove his innocence. However, he was unsuccessful in his attempt and was found guilty of his accusations and sentenced to death.
The Apology is the summarized defense speech Socrates delivered before a jury of five hundred Athenian citizens. The Crito is a piece that takes place immediately after the trial of Socrates while awaiting his execution for corrupting the youth and questioning the gods. As a friend, Crito suggested an escape plan which Socrates rejected. Socrates discussed his obligation to accept his punishment of death, however unjust he and his supporters might think it to be. In their “Socratic Method,” Thomas Brickhouse and Nicholas Smith maintain that: “…nothing whatever is said about the need for questioning any of the premises or for offering additional arguments for truth.